Scott at 2012-07-30 16:37:59:

John, I'm going to try to roll out one new How They Write A Script each day this week. Just depends upon my time. Personally I love reading 'primary sources' which in this case is actual screenwriters talking about the actual craft. Always interesting to see how their minds work, how they approach their writing, personal anecdotes and back stories.

TheQuietAct at 2012-07-30 17:34:56:

"Things happen in the novels that astonish me. I can’t believe they’re happening when they do." I love this line. It's the strangest sensation and the best feeling when you're looking at your own character going "I can't believe he just did that!" Does everyone else get that feeling?

Scott at 2012-07-30 21:27:31:

TQA, that is what we all dream about, yes? When we are so in touch with our characters and immersed ourselves in their lives, that they become free agents. We see them act, we hear them move. And yes, it is a special feeling. I'm reminded of that quote from the late great playwright August Wilson. When asked by a student once about how he managed to write such incredible dialogue, he answered, "I don't. They do." He was talking about his characters, of course. When we engage characters in an I-You relationship, accepting them as living entities, and they start doing things that "astonish" us, that is precisely the opposite of formulaic writing. Because if they surprise us, there's a good chance they will surprise readers, too. Here's to all of us continuing to get that feeling with our writing!